What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mislocated
Example
The library books were mislocated on the wrong shelf. [mislocated: adjective]
Example
I mislocated my keys and spent hours searching for them. [mislocated: verb]
misplaced
Example
Her anger was misplaced and directed at the wrong person. [misplaced: adjective]
Example
He misplaced his trust in the wrong people and suffered the consequences. [misplaced: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Misplaced is more commonly used than mislocated in everyday language. Misplaced is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while mislocated is less common and refers specifically to physical objects or locations that have been placed incorrectly.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mislocated and misplaced?
Both mislocated and misplaced are relatively formal words that are appropriate for use in professional or academic contexts.